Steaming Dumplings: No Steamer, No Problem!

There are several ways to cook frozen dumplings without a steamer. One popular method is to pan-fry them, which gives the dumplings a crispy texture. To do this, heat oil in a pan and place the frozen dumplings inside, frying until the bottoms turn golden brown. Next, add some water to the pan and cover it with a lid to steam the dumplings. Once the water has evaporated, remove the lid and continue frying until the dumplings are crispy. Another method is to boil the dumplings in a pot of water. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the frozen dumplings, and cook until they float. Let them cook for an additional two to three minutes, then remove them from the pot and serve.

Microwave dumplings for 2.5 minutes

If you're in a hurry to satisfy your dumpling craving, you can definitely turn to your microwave to get those frozen dumplings cooked without the need for a steamer. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select a microwave-safe plate or dish that's large enough to fit your dumplings without overcrowding. Place your frozen dumplings on the dish, ensuring they have some space around them. Then, add a small amount of water to the dish—this will create the steam needed to cook the dumplings. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or some microwave-safe plastic wrap.

Now, for the crucial part: microwave cooking time. For microwave dumpling cooking, it's generally recommended to cook the dumplings on high power for about 3 to 4 minutes. However, microwaves can vary in power, so you may need to experiment a little. Start with the recommended time and adjust accordingly for future batches. If you find that your dumplings aren't cooking evenly, try flipping them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides cook thoroughly.

Once the dumplings are done, it's important to let them rest. Avoid removing the lid or plastic wrap immediately. Let the dumplings sit and steam for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will ensure they are cooked to perfection. Finally, carefully remove the lid or plastic wrap and serve your delicious, evenly cooked dumplings with your favourite dipping sauce.

A couple of tips to ensure dumpling perfection:

• Adjust cooking time: As mentioned, microwaves can vary in power, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start with the recommended time and make small adjustments as needed.
• Check for doneness: Before serving, check that your dumplings are cooked through. They should be hot all the way through with a slightly translucent wrapper.
• Get creative: Feel free to add extra flavour to your dumplings by including ingredients like minced garlic, ginger, or soy sauce in the water before cooking.

So, there you have it! A quick, convenient, and tasty way to cook frozen dumplings without a steamer, all thanks to the power of the microwave. Enjoy your dumpling feast!

Use a wire rack to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer, one of the easiest ways to DIY one is by using a wire rack to prop up a plate in a pot filled with water.

First, fill a pot or wok with a few inches of water. Then, place a wire rack at the bottom and use it to hold up a plate or dish, ensuring the water doesn't touch the dish.

Before adding your dumplings, brush the plate with a thin layer of oil, add some parchment paper, or use some leafy vegetables like cabbage to prevent sticking.

Next, carefully place your dumplings on the dish, leaving some space so they don't stick together. Bring the water to a boil, put a lid over your pot/wok, and let it steam for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

When your dumplings are done, remove your dish from the DIY steamer and enjoy with your favourite dipping sauce.

This method is a great way to enjoy steamed dumplings without needing any specialized equipment.

Use aluminium foil to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer, you can use aluminium foil to prop up a plate and steam your dumplings. Here is how you can do it:

Firstly, you will need to crumple up three pieces of aluminium foil into balls of roughly the same size. The balls should be about the size of a golf ball. Next, fill a pot or wok with a few inches of water and place the foil balls inside. The water level should not exceed the height of the foil balls.

Then, place a heat-safe ceramic plate on top of the foil balls. The plate should be slightly smaller than the pot or wok to allow steam to circulate. Make sure the plate is propped up by the foil and does not touch the water. You can brush the plate with oil or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking.

After that, place the dumplings on the plate, leaving some space between them so they do not stick together.

Finally, bring the water to a boil, put a lid on the pot or wok, and let the dumplings steam for about 10 minutes. Frozen dumplings may take a minute or two longer to cook through. To check if they are ready, tear one open and see if the filling is hot.

Steam dumplings with instant noodles

If you're looking for a quick, efficient way to steam dumplings without a steamer, you can try this fun trick using instant noodles. Here's what you need to do:

Start by preparing some instant noodles in a pot. You can use any type of instant noodles you like. Once the noodles are ready, balance a pair of flat-headed chopsticks over the pot to create a makeshift rack for the dumplings. Place the dumplings on the chopsticks, making sure they are spaced out and not touching each other.

Then, cover the pot with a lid and let the steam do its magic. The dumplings and noodles will cook simultaneously, so you'll have a delicious and efficient meal ready in no time. Just be careful when removing the lid, as the steam will be hot.

You can serve the dumplings with your favourite dipping sauce. For a tasty and easy option, you can mix water or broth, doubanjiang (Chinese fermented chilli bean paste), chilli oil or chilli garlic sauce, Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar, and chopped fresh scallions and coriander. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

This method is a great way to enjoy steamed dumplings without the need for specialised equipment. So, go ahead and give it a try the next time you're craving dumplings!

Steam-fry dumplings in a pan

Steam-frying dumplings in a pan is a great way to get a crispy bite. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Heat oil in a pan

Pour about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into a pan with a lid. Set the pan on the stove burner and swirl the oil around to coat the pan evenly. You can use any cooking oil of your choice.

Step 2: Fry the dumplings

Place the dumplings in the pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart. Leave them to cook without moving them for at least a minute. Check the bottoms of the dumplings with a spatula to ensure they are golden brown and crispy before moving on. You can steam-fry dumplings straight from frozen without thawing them first.

Step 3: Add water to the pan

If you are making fresh dumplings, add about 2-3 tablespoons of water to the pan. If you are cooking from frozen, use enough water to cover the bottom third of the dumplings.

Step 4: Cover the pan and turn up the heat

Place a lid on the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. As soon as you see steam rising from the water, the dumplings will start to cook.

Step 5: Steam the dumplings

Keep the lid on the pan to prevent the steam from escaping. Fresh dumplings will take about 6 minutes to cook, while frozen dumplings will need about 10 minutes to thaw and cook through. You can always cut a dumpling open to check if it is cooked or if the filling is hot throughout.

Step 6: Remove the lid and fry until the water evaporates

Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the lid and continue heating the pan to fry the wrappers until they are extra crispy. Once the water has completely evaporated, take the dumplings out of the pan and serve.

Frequently asked questions